Here in Eureka Springs, we are home to some pretty great must-see attractions. But there are plenty of wonderful Arkansas tourist attractions all over the state. No matter where you travel in Arkansas, sightseeing is easy to do in the Natural State. We’ve narrowed it down to the 10 best Arkansas tourist attractions to see on your next visit.
Starting right here in the Northwest, you should definitely check out the Pea Ridge National Military Park in Garfield, Arkansas. The Visitor’s Center offers exhibits, a bookstore, gift shop and orientation film. Outdoors you will find hiking trails, horse trails, 28 interpretive exhibits and a 7-mile self-guided tour road. While in the area, check out Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Crystal Bridges is located in Bentonville and sits on 120 beautiful acres of land. When visiting you will find American art from 5 centuries and temporary exhibits that rotate throughout the year. On the property, visitors can explore the 3 miles of trails and view outdoor sculptures including the Maman, the Buckyball, Lowell’s Ocean and the 16-foot Vaquero statue.
While in the Northwest, attractions are plentiful here in Eureka Springs. The Christ of the Ozarks statue greets guests on the grounds of The Great Passion Play. The statue stands seven stories tall and is free to visit. The Thorncrown Chapel is known as the most beautiful chapel in the world and can be found right here in the Ozarks. It stands 48-feet in the air and boasts over 6,000 square feet of glass with 425 windows. Visitors can still attend church services on Sundays from April through December. Another must-see in Eureka Springs is non-profit Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. The refuge houses over 125 large cats like lions, bobcats, and cougars. They are open 364 days a year and closed on Christmas Day.
If you are in Southwest Arkansas, check out the quartz crystal mines in Mena, Jessieville, and Story. These dig your own mines are great fun for all ages. Arkansas is known for having some of the best quality quartz in the world and some pieces can even be found just lying on the ground. More outdoor beauty can be found at the Garvan Woodland Gardens on the shores of Lake Hamilton. When strolling the 210 acres of the botanical gardens, you’ll see stone bridges, waterfalls, and a bird sanctuary in addition to the native and Asian plants.
Central Arkansas is home to the Clinton Presidential Center and Park which holds the largest collection of presidential papers and artifacts in U.S. history. Bring your camera and snap a picture of yourself in the Oval Office and Cabinet Room replicas. History buffs will enjoy walking through the Arkansas State Capital building. There are guided and audio tours to enjoy and seasonal exhibits. Also in Little Rock you will find the Little Rock Zoo great for a day outing with the family. The zoo has everything to see including mammals, reptiles and birds.
With all this traveling, you’ll need a cozy spot to kick up your feet at the end of the day. Arsenic and Old Lace in Eureka Springs is just the place to unwind after a long day exploring. We are home to 5 guest rooms each complete with private bathroom and seasonal fireplace. Our gourmet breakfast is the perfect way to start the day and there are even homemade snacks available throughout the day. When booking your reservation, be sure to ask about our current specials to ensure you get the most out of your stay. For additional information, please call us at 479-253-5454.
